CDR got rejected? Don’t panic! Learn what happens next, how to respond to a CDR rejection from Engineers Australia, and how to successfully resubmit.
Understanding the Role of CDR in Migration to Australia
A Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) is a mandatory submission for engineers applying for migration to Australia via Engineers Australia (EA). It is used to assess whether your skills and experience match Australian standards for your engineering occupation.
Submitting a well-written CDR is essential for getting a positive skills assessment—which is a prerequisite for PR visa applications like Subclass 189, 190, and 491.
Top Reasons Why CDRs Get Rejected
🚫 1. Plagiarism or Copied Content
EA uses tools like Turnitin to detect plagiarism. Copying content from online samples or friends will result in automatic rejection.
📉 2. Weak Career Episodes
Episodes that are vague, team-based, or lack technical depth are red flags for assessors.
❌ 3. Misaligned Competency Elements
If you don’t demonstrate the specific ANZSCO competencies required for your nominated role, your CDR won’t meet EA’s expectations.
📝 4. Poor Grammar and Language
Grammatical mistakes, lack of clarity, or a non-technical writing tone can diminish the professionalism of your report.
What Happens Immediately After Rejection
You will receive an official email notification from Engineers Australia informing you of the rejection.
The response includes:
- A Skills Assessment Report
- Detailed feedback on why your submission didn’t meet the requirements
- Status marked as “Not Suitable” or “Incomplete”
Emotional and Professional Impact of a Rejected CDR
A rejection can be frustrating, discouraging, and costly, especially if you were counting on it for a PR application.
Consequences Include:
- Delays in migration and visa application
- Loss of money paid for the assessment
- Emotional burnout after months of effort
- Limited time to resubmit or appeal
Options After a CDR Rejection
If your CDR is rejected, you have three main options:
🔁 1. Resubmit After Corrections
Most applicants choose to revise their CDR based on EA’s feedback and resubmit.
🆕 2. Submit a Completely New CDR
If the feedback is extensive, it may be smarter to rewrite your episodes and start afresh.
📩 3. Appeal or Request a Review
If you believe your report was incorrectly assessed, you can request an internal review, though this is rarely successful unless you have strong justification.
How to Analyze Engineers Australia Feedback Effectively
The Assessment Report includes competency feedback and a summary of issues.
🕵️♂️ Key Steps:
Review all comments on each career episode
Check if you failed to demonstrate specific elements like PE1.5 or PE2.3
Distinguish whether errors were technical, grammatical, or structural
Resubmission Guidelines After a Rejected CDR
📆 Resubmission Timeline:
You must wait at least 12 weeks before resubmitting—unless EA provides a specific timeline.
💰 Cost of Resubmission:
Fees range from AUD 330–AUD 600 depending on the type of resubmission (correction or full rewrite).
📌 Tips for Resubmission:
Rewrite episodes using the STAR method
Add diagrams, outcomes, and personal actions
Update your CPD and summary statement as well
How to Avoid Rejection the Second Time
✅ Use These Strategies:
- Get your content proofread by a native English speaker
- Use plagiarism-detection tools
- Hire a reputable CDR writing expert with engineering knowledge
- Rewrite using first-person voice and technical clarity Real-Life Cases of CDR Rejection and Success After Resubmission 🏗️ Case 1: Civil Engineer from India
- First CDR was rejected for vague episodes
- Rewrote all three episodes using real metrics and STAR method
- Received a positive assessment on second attempt
⚙️ Case 2: Mechanical Engineer from UAE
- Original report flagged for plagiarism
- Hired a consultant for a fresh draft
- Got approved within 6 weeks after resubmission
Should You Hire a CDR Consultant After Rejection?
👍 Pros:
Professional formatting
- Expert guidance on competency mapping
- Faster turnaround and confidence boost
👎 Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Must ensure content is based on your own experience
📌 Always check reviews, success rates, and plagiarism policies before hiring.
FAQs About Rejected CDR Report
Can I appeal a rejection from Engineers Australia?
Yes, but appeals are rarely successful unless there’s a clear mistake by the assessor.
Do I have to rewrite the entire CDR?
Not always. Sometimes, only one or two episodes need revision.
How long should I wait before resubmitting?
EA typically requires a 12-week cooling-off period before resubmission.
Will my resubmission be more scrutinized?
No. EA treats it as a new submission, but previous records remain on file.
Will rejection affect my PR application?
Yes, without a positive skills assessment, you cannot proceed with a PR visa.
Can I submit under a different ANZSCO code?
Yes, but you'll need a new CDR aligned with the new code.
Conclusion: Turn Your CDR Rejection into a Career Comeback
If your CDR gets rejected, it’s not the end of the road—it’s an opportunity to refine, rebuild, and return stronger. Use the feedback constructively, seek professional support if needed, and resubmit with confidence.
A well-written, authentic CDR can help you unlock permanent residency and a bright future in Australia.
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